The Portuguese artist Bordallo II has covered the grave of António Oliveira Salazar, in the cemetery of the parish of Vimieiro, in Santa Comba Dão, with a giant "anti-fascist" medicine box.
"Liberdade", as Bordallo II calls the medicine, is an "anti-fascist probiotic" of "25 mg" and with "50 capsules", in reference to the 25 April Revolution and the 50 Chega deputies, elected by the Portuguese on March 10, who are now part of the Assembly of the Republic.
"For some reason, those who have tyrannical and anti-democratic ambitions begin precisely by attacking freedom – this complex concept that crosses several areas of our lives and without which we will not have a fair society. Freedom is fundamental for each of us and for the well-being of all", the artist begins by writing in a post shared on his Instagram account, adding that "we cannot be distracted and take freedom for granted".
"On the contrary, we have to defend it and exercise it every day. April 25th also serves to remind us of this! Defending freedom means respecting differences, demanding universal fundamental rights, and allowing the expression of free thought and creativity. Art must also be free, it must be able to question, provoke, and provide a starting point for reflection", he highlights before ending with "April 25th ALWAYS, fascism never again".
Ignorant and disrespectful, totally repugnant. There is no justification for defacing someone's grave. The object should be removed and disposed of. I'm not defending Salazar, but the dead have a right to rest in peace and not have fanatics interfere with their resting place.
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 24 Apr 2024, 10:26
Very good medication for all of Europe and the whole world ! Do not forget to take it and never forget the past!! Far right is a dangerous monster luring to attack our freedom and liberties( e.g. Putin, Trump, Bolsinaro, .. and many others)
By Pierre from Other on 24 Apr 2024, 10:53
My wife's father had to do the two years in France, and then could take the rest of the family out of Portugal. So I get the Salazar thing, whether you love him or hate him. But if I was walking through a peaceful resting place among the marble, blue skies of Portugal, and the memories of so many families, as I did after my wife's parents had returned to Portugal and later passed away....and I saw this....I would say, "what an idiot". But that's the common denominator in artists, they all need attention, even if it means getting it with public vandalism, and in this case, desecration.
By William from Other on 24 Apr 2024, 11:24